Allied Health courses in Adelaide
Course providers in Adelaide
The following providers offer Allied Health courses in Adelaide.
Career Pathfinder
Skills shortages + AI Exposure
Discover in-demand careers and understand how each role may be impacted by AI and automation.
- See in-demand occupations across Australia
- Check AI Exposure ratings
- Compare training duration and average income
Common questions
Occupational therapists help patients perform tasks in daily life, while physiotherapists help patients improve their movement, strength and function. The term occupation refers to everyday life tasks, while physiotherapy refers to physical therapy. Both are science-based allied health roles that aim to improve quality of life through prevention, maintenance and treatment.
Stephen Charlton
You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
- Master of Occupational Therapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 24 months - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Average duration: 4 years - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Average duration: 4 years
Stephen Charlton
You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
- Doctor of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 3 years - Master of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 24 months - Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Average duration: 4 years - Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Average duration: 4 years
Stephen Charlton
Yes, you need to complete an accredited degree to work legally as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia. The two core pathways are completing a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree. The Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and Australian Physiotherapy Council are responsible for accrediting such courses.
Stephen Charlton
Yes, overseas-qualified practitioners can work in Australia by registering with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Practitioners who are currently registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand or Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand can apply directly for Australian registration. Other overseas-qualified practitioners have to fulfil the requirements listed on the relevant webpages of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Stephen Charlton
If you have already completed an approved degree in a different discipline, you can gain an accredited postgraduate degree to become qualified to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Examples of such degrees are a Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate degrees in these fields may have additional entry requirements, including but not limited to health-related prerequisite subjects.
Stephen Charlton
In some cases, completing vocational education and training (VET) in a related discipline can allow you to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in these fields. Entry requirements vary between educational providers. Some providers offer a VET entry pathway with a minimum of a Certificate IV, but others require a minimum of a diploma or advanced diploma. Some providers do not offer a VET pathway for these courses at all. Therefore, it’s wise to confirm the entry requirements for your desired bachelor’s degree before starting a VET course.
Stephen Charlton
In addition to completing an accredited degree, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia to work in Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) administers practitioner registration on behalf of these boards. There are different requirements to gain registration for Australian-qualified practitioners, New Zealand-registered practitioners, and other overseas-qualified practitioners.
Stephen Charlton
Career paths for these professions include independent contracting, starting a practice, working in community care, paediatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, disability, medical or aged care sectors).
Stephen Charlton
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in 2024 are $1,526 and $1,710, respectively. These figures can be contrasted with Australian workers of all occupations, who earn a median full-time weekly income of $1,697.
Stephen Charlton
There is a significant demand for occupational therapists across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market had a shortage of occupational therapists across all states and territories from 2022 to 2024.
Stephen Charlton
There is substantial demand for physiotherapists in Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market experienced a shortage of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in most states and territories from 2022 to 2024.
Stephen Charlton
Working as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist comes with the satisfaction of directly helping to improve patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, the job market is promising, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports there is significant labour market demand for both professions. The future outlook is also positive, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the annual employment growth in 2024 for occupational therapists and physiotherapists is 2,200 and 4,100, respectively.
Stephen Charlton
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)?
3rd March 2022
What can you do with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance?
8th January 2020All courses
- HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT33021 & HLT43021 Dual Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance & Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Focus)
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetic Support)
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage
- HLT41120 Certificate IV in Health Care
- HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
- 22656VIC Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Bachelor of Human Nutrition
- CHC32015 & CHC52021 Certificate III in Community Services & Diploma of Community Services
- CHCSS00111 Problem Gambling Skill Set
- HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
- HLT42512 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Speech Pathology)
- 52792WA Advanced Diploma of Holistic Classical Yoga Practices
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services (First Point of Contact)
- Master of Public Health (Global Health)
- Master of Genetic Counselling
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology
More about Allied Health courses
If you are looking to start a rewarding career in the healthcare sector, exploring the various Allied Health Courses in Adelaide can be your first step. With a diverse range of courses available, you can find options tailored for both beginners and experienced learners. For those new to the field, consider enrolling in the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 or the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) CHC33015. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills vital for a successful career in allied health services in Adelaide's bustling healthcare environment.
For experienced professionals aiming to upskill, Adelaide offers a range of advanced courses designed to enhance your qualifications. The Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 and the Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315 are excellent choices for those looking to specialise in mental health support. Additionally, the prestigious Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) provide pathways to advanced practice and leadership roles within the healthcare system.
In Adelaide, a career in allied health not only offers personal satisfaction but also provides the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. With 27 Allied Health courses available, ranging from vocational training to higher education, you can select a pathway that aligns with your career goals. Make sure to explore the full range of courses, including specialised options like the Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52021 and the Bachelor of Social Work. Start your journey today and unlock your potential within the vibrant healthcare community of Adelaide.